LONDON: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are facing a difficult period as renewed controversy surrounding their parents places the York family under fresh scrutiny, British media reported on Tuesday.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is said to be staying outside the United Kingdom, while Prince Andrew is again at the centre of attention following disclosures linked to files released by the US Department of Justice relating to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Senior working members of the British royal family have already distanced themselves from the Duke of York amid longstanding concerns over his association with Epstein. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has previously expressed strong criticism of his uncle in his memoir Spare, though reports suggest he remains sympathetic toward his cousins.
Former royal editor Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror that Prince Harry was deeply affected by developments involving the York family and their impact on Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, both of whom have young children.
“He’ll be gutted for his cousins, there’s no doubt about it,” Larcombe said, adding that the sisters were among the few members of the royal family who continued to maintain contact with Harry despite wider family tensions.
Larcombe said Harry was likely to have reached out privately to Beatrice and Eugenie, noting that they had supported him during periods when he felt isolated from other family members.
The renewed attention comes as Thames Valley Police confirmed they had received information connected to the Epstein files and were assessing the material. British media reports suggest the documents include allegations that Prince Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein, raising the possibility of further investigation.
No charges have been announced, and authorities have said assessments are ongoing.